Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 19 Breakfasts 2 Lunches 3 Dinners

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Accommodation

1 nights simple homestay 4 nights simple hotel 12 nights standard hotel 1 nights simple overnight train 2 nights simple stilt house

Optional

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. Hanoi - Water Puppets Show from US$ 5 Hoi An - Cookery class US$ 15 Phnom Penh - Sunset cruise US$ 10, Koh Dach Island - US $24, Oudong Mountain - US $32, Chiso Mountain - US $35 Siem Reap - Scenic helicopter flight over Angkor temples from US$ 135-260; Apsara traditional khmer dance and dinner US$ 22,Tonle Sap boat optional US$ 42; cookery class US$ 12; National Museum Culture Show US$ 12 - US$20 (limited availability during low season May - September) The prices stated are based on a minimum number of participants (usually 5-6). Please be aware that the optional excursions can run with fewer people but the price may be higher. Likewise, a slightly reduced price may be applicable where the participation greater. The prices listed are generally only entrance fees and do not include the price of transport to and from the excursion, Your Explore Leader will quote this when you are on tour, as the price for transport will depend on the number of participants. These excursions are generally run via our agent in the country. Local companies may offer similar excursions at a cheaper price. Should you want to use these companies please be aware that a lower price may mean that not all costs are included (entrance fees etc.) or services will not operate at the same safety and quality standards.

Transport

Bus, Boat, Flight, Train

Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader’s ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.

Not included:

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nights’ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately.

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Join Trip In Hanoi: Introduction To The Old Quarter
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Join Trip In Hanoi: Introduction To The Old Quarter

The trip starts today in Hanoi. Vietnam’s bustling capital is architecturally styled like a French provincial town, with tree-lined boulevards and low-rise buildings. It’s a wonderful city to explore on foot. Your Leader plans to meet everyone in the hotel reception at 4pm for a welcome meeting. Afterwards, for those that wish, we’ll head to a restaurant for dinner. On the way to dinner your leader will orientate you and introduce you to life in Vietnam as you head through some of the bustling streets and markets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The maze of fascinating alleys is known for its interesting ’tube’ houses, whose narrow frontages give way to long rooms that stretch back from the road. There are no other activities planned today. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If you would like an airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is 45 minutes from the hotel. Please note that if you wish to join the afternoon orientation tour today, you must arrive at the hotel by 4pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least 30 minutes to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around 45 minutes’ drive, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 1pm. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information by note left at the front desk.
Day 2 Day 2: Drive To Pu Luong; Hike To Our Stilt House Retreat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Drive To Pu Luong; Hike To Our Stilt House Retreat

Leaving Hanoi behind this morning, we drive west to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a beautiful region of limestone cliffs, forests and terraced fields that is richly biodiverse. This area is a home to the Thai ethnic minority tribe who live in villages of stilt houses. We will be staying in the heart of the Reserve at the Pu Luong Valley Home, a stilt house built from traditional materials in a boutique style, with breathtaking views all around that is part of the Pu Luong Retreat, an eco resort. This beautifully appointed and traditional structure features comfortable mattresses in one very large room that can be divided into sections by curtains. The shared bathrooms are connected to the stilt house and open to the elements. See https://puluongretreat.com/traditional-shared-stilts-house/. On arriving at the Nature Reserve, we hike across the paddy fields to our accommodation while the bus continues there with our luggage. We can expect today’s 8 kilometre/5 mile walk to take around 2 hours and 30 minutes across gently undulating terrain.
Day 3 Day 3: Hiking In Pu Luong Reserve
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Hiking In Pu Luong Reserve

We spend today hiking among the beautiful landscapes of the Reserve and will enjoy plenty of stops along the way, planning to spend time in some of the villages of the Thai minority tribe and have a picnic lunch en route. Today’s leisurely paced hike of approximately 10 kilometres/6.2 mile will take around 5 hours across gently undulating terrain.
Day 4 Day 4: Morning Walk; Return To Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Morning Walk; Return To Hanoi

In the morning we enjoy another walk, rambling alongside the bubbling river with its vast wooden waterwheels which transport its waters to irrigate the terraced paddy fields. We return to the hustle and bustle of Hanoi later today with time in the evening to enjoy a performance of traditional water puppets (optional). These puppet shows date back to the 11th century, and performances took place in the flooded rice fields of the villages in the Red River Delta. This morning’s walk covers approximately 5.5 kilometres/3.4 mile and is expected to take around 2 hours.
Day 5 Day 5: Walking Tour In Hanoi; Drive To Halong Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Walking Tour In Hanoi; Drive To Halong Bay

This morning we will discover more of Hanoi outside of the Old Quarter on a walking tour. Architecturally styled like a French provincial town with tree-lined boulevards and substantial low-built houses, the city is wonderfully nostalgic. Among the interesting sights that we will visit are the charming One-Pillar Pagoda, Confucius Temple and the Presidential Palace. Ho Chi Minh himself, a spartan-living and scholarly man, chose not to live in the Presidential Palace; he preferred instead a simple teak stilt-house specially built for him and which we will see in the Palace grounds. In the afternoon we drive to our hotel at Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin. We can expect today’s 5 kilometre/3.1 mile walking tour to take around 4 hours including sightseeing.
Day 6 Day 6: Junk Cruise Around Halong Bay; Overnight Train To Hue
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Junk Cruise Around Halong Bay; Overnight Train To Hue

This morning we enjoy the romantic scenery of Halong Bay on a junk cruise amongst the thousands of jagged limestone islands that rise out of the jade green waters like the hairy scales of a submerged dragon! In fact Halong means: ’Where the dragon descends to the sea’. As legend has it the rugged seascape was created by the pounding tail of a dragon as he ran from the mountains into the sea, carving the islands in his wake. During our cruise we’ll have the chance to stop at a grotto beneath towering cliffs and perhaps visit a beach and enjoy a delicious freshly caught seafood lunch on board the boat. After disembarking, we return to our hotel in Hanoi to freshen up before boarding the ’Reunification Express’ to Hue. We travel ’soft sleeper’ class on the train, with four people to a compartment with all bedding provided.
Day 7 Day 7: Afternoon Walking Tour Around Hue Citadel
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Afternoon Walking Tour Around Hue Citadel

Awaking aboard the train, we pass through a rural landscape of seemingly endless rice paddies before arriving in the city of Hue mid morning. This afternoon we will discover Hue’s fascinating history on a walking tour around the Imperial Citadel. Located on the left bank of the river, the palace was built by the Nguyen dynasty, Vietnam’s ruling emperors from the early 1800s to 1945. The Citadel has formal moats and impressive ramparts that were constructed by 20,000 men and was a copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Although most of the inner part of the city was totally destroyed during the month-long Tet Offensive in 1968, the vast outer walls and the west wing remain an eloquent reminder of the palace’s former glory. We can expect today’s 7 kilometre/4.4 mile walking tour to take around 3 hours and 30 minutes including sightseeing.
Day 8 Day 8: Hike Through Villages; Cruise On The Perfume River
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Hike Through Villages; Cruise On The Perfume River

This morning we drive out of the city to enjoy a hike through the countryside and villages overlooking the Huong Giang River, better known as the Perfume River. Exploring on foot enables us to observe rural life up close and our leader is always on hand to explain what we see. Various cottage industries take place in the villages here including silk painting, bronze casting and incense stick production. The river supposedly got its name from the aromas carried by the river downstream from the forests and mountains of its source. Near the end of our walk we’ll stop on Vong Canh Hill to admire the great view of the river down below before descending to board our own boat for a leisurely cruise along the river back to Hue. Today’s hike of approximately 8 kilometres/5 mile will take around 3 hours. We will walk along village footpaths and the terrain is undulating.
Day 9 Day 9: Drive To The Laid-Back Town Of Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Drive To The Laid-Back Town Of Hoi An

Today we enjoy a scenic drive south to Hoi An, crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass en route and passing through rural scenes of thatched, wooden houses and lime-green rice paddies as well as panoramic sea views. The UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An was one of the busiest international trading ports of Southeast Asia in the 17th and 18th centuries. First colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it still retains its medieval charm today, with many of its old buildings superbly preserved. The afternoon has been left free to explore Hoi An at your own pace. You may choose to visit the Japanese Bridge or some of the Chinese temples and meeting halls in the Old Town. There are also many shops, bars and restaurants and it is a great place to buy souvenirs, have clothing tailored or simply watch the world go by in a riverside cafe.
Day 10 Day 10: Hike To The Cham Temples At My Son
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Hike To The Cham Temples At My Son

Today we drive for around an hour from Hoi An and enjoy a hike through a hilly landscape of pine forest and grasslands to the ancient Cham site of My Son. The Chams were dynastic lords who rejected the authority of China in the second century and established their own kingdom in what is now Vietnam. Although they benefited from strong sea links with the rest of South East Asia, the kingdom’s interior could not supply sufficient food for a strong military force. For 1000 years they managed to stave off attacks by the Vietnamese and Chinese, before being overcome by the Vietnamese in the 15th century. The site is impressive, despite the fact that much of it was bombed in the 1960s and there are several groupings of Cham temples which we can visit. We can expect today’s 9 kilometre/5.6 mile hike to take around 4 hours and 30 minutes across undulating terrain with a high point of 168 meter/551 feet.
Day 11 Day 11: Travel To Binh Hoa Phuoc Island In The Mekong Delta
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Travel To Binh Hoa Phuoc Island In The Mekong Delta

After a short drive to Danang Airport first thing this morning, we fly to Ho Chi Minh City, from where we drive further south to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. Surrounded with lush and fertile land the area is home to small villages and swaying coconut palms. We take a walk on Tan Phong Islands to see local Delta life. Later we travel by boat to the island of Binh Hoa Phoc where we spend the night in a local homestay-cum-guesthouse. At the homestay we will be accommodated in a mix of twin and triple rooms with attached bathrooms. The rich soil of the Mekong provides an abundant harvest, including coconut, fruits, rice and of course fish and tonight we will enjoy a dinner of local produce We can expect today’s 4 kilometre/2.5 mile hike to take around 1 hours and 30 minutes.
Day 12 Day 12: Walk In The Mekong Delta; Drive To Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Walk In The Mekong Delta; Drive To Ho Chi Minh City

This morning we plan a walk on the island, stopping off along the way to observe some of the traditional cottage industries of the Delta such as the production of rice paper and coconut sweets. Other glimpses of everyday life may include seeing people catching fish from the river, or mending baskets and repairing tools by the river bank. Departing by boat once more we meet our bus in Vinh Long and drive to our final destination of the trip, Ho Chi Minh City. Still unofficially referred to as ’Saigon’, the city is the largest in Vietnam with a population of around 8 million. You will find an eclectic mix of the traditional and the new, where pagodas and markets compete alongside the trappings of Vietnam’s newly discovered entrepreneurial spirit. We can expect today’s 8.5 kilometre/5.3 mile hike to take around 3 hours across at a leisurely pace. The terrain of the Delta is flat.
Day 13 Day 13: Walking Tour Of Old Saigon; Free Afternoon To Explore
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Walking Tour Of Old Saigon; Free Afternoon To Explore

This morning we walk around the central sights of Old Saigon, now known as District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. We see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the GPO building as well as some of the old French Colonial hotels such as The Rex. We then continue to the Independence Palace (renamed the Reunification Hall) and the War Remnants Museum. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city further, perhaps with a visit to the huge Ben Thanh market for some shopping. We can expect today’s 5 kilometre/3.1 mile walking tour to take around 4 hours including sightseeing.
Day 14 Day 14: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels; Drive To Phnom Penh In Cambodia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels; Drive To Phnom Penh In Cambodia

This morning we take a short drive out of the city to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, which formed an incredible underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops and were a major part of the 1968 Tet Offensive. The site is a fascinating insight into the resourcefulness of the Vietnamese. There is the opportunity to crawl through a small specially adapted section of the tunnels should you wish to sample the claustrophobic conditions in which the Viet Cong lived. Afterwards we bid farewell to our tour leader who continues back to Ho Chi Minh City while you join with customers who have been enjoying other trips in Vietnam to continue by road into Cambodia. Border formalities take place at the Moc Bai (Vietnam) and Bavet (Cambodia) crossing point. Our final destination is Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. Rooted in history and myth dating back to the 14th century with the divine discovery by ’Grandmother Penh’, the city is a treasure trove of historical architecture. From grand monuments to glittering temples and French Colonial buildings, each construction reflects the city’s rich history and character.
Day 15 Day 15: Discover The Sights Of Phnom Penh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Discover The Sights Of Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh took over from Angkor as Cambodia’s capital city in the 1440s. It is now a lively city with many French colonial buildings and plenty to see. Accompanied by a local guide we visit the National Museum, a treasure trove of beautifully preserved carvings and lintels rescued from Angkor; the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda as well as the temple of Wat Phnom. This afternoon we visit the emotive Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a high school that became the Khmer Rouge’s main torture and interrogation centre; and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek - the memorial stupa is a glass tower filled with human skulls - a gruesome reminder of the scale of Pol Pot’s atrocities before returning back in the city.
Day 16 Day 16: Free Day In Phnom Penh; Optional Visit To Silk Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Free Day In Phnom Penh; Optional Visit To Silk Island

Today is free allowing you the opportunity to explore the city or its surrounds further. Optional excursions close to the city include a trip to Silk Island, Chiso Mountain or the abandoned Royal City of Oudong. Each of these excursions are half a day in duration and may be combined, your tour leader will discuss in more detail. Silk Island or Koh Dach is reached by a short boat journey along the Mekong where the majority of villagers on the island earn a living through producing handicrafts. It is a great opportunity to learn more about traditional ways of life and interact with locals as you learn about silk weaving. Chiso Mountain (380 meter/1247 feet), located in Sia village about 62 kilometer/38.5 mile south of Phnom Penh, is topped by the ruins of an 11th century Khmer Brahmanic Temple with fine views of the surrounding paddy fields. Oudong is about an hour north of the capital and offers the opportunity to explore attractive historic temples and stupas.
Day 17 Day 17: Drive To Siem Reap; Cruise On Tonle Sap Lake
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Drive To Siem Reap; Cruise On Tonle Sap Lake

This morning we make an early start for our drive to Siem Reap, stopping somewhere for lunch on the way. Later in the day we journey to nearby Tonle Sap Lake where we board our charter boat for a leisurely cruise through the fascinating floating village of Chong Kneas, where we see stilt houses, floating markets and an array of boats.
Day 18 Day 18: From Siem Reap, Explore Angkor Temples With Sunset
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: From Siem Reap, Explore Angkor Temples With Sunset

Our exact programme over the next 3 days may change slightly at our local guide’s discretion (to avoid crowds, coincide with sunsets, etc.). Angkor was actually a series of cities, built between the 9th and the 13th centuries by the Khmer kings, with a population of 750,000 in its heyday. The Angkor complex is spread out over some 155 square kilometres/59.8 square mile, scattered with magnificent carved stone temples, elegant sculptures and incredible bas reliefs. We visit the Rolous group, which are some of the earliest temples. In the afternoon we visit the temples of Banteay Srei, a small but beautiful temples with exquisite carvings. We end the day at East Mebon, with a visit to Pre Rup temple for sunset.
Day 19 Day 19: From Siem Reap, Explore Angkor Thom
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: From Siem Reap, Explore Angkor Thom

We continue our exploration with a visit to the temples of King Jayavarman Vll, reputedly Angkor’s greatest king. The fortified city of Angkor Thom, which he built at the end of the 12th century is enclosed by a square wall with 5 monumental gates decorated with stone elephant trunks. Originally, crocodiles inhabited the moat and huge statues of 54 different gods protected each gate. The city contains another of Angkor’s true gems - The Bayon. Although not as impressive as Angkor Wat from a distance, The Bayon is nevertheless incredible for its maze of corridors, gothic style towers and magical central temples. We’ll explore The Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King, the Baphuon and Phimeanakas, and some of the surrounding temples such as Preah Khan. Please note that from the 1st January 2020 the third tier of the Bayon Temple - the striking centrepiece of the ancient city of Angkor Thom - will be closed until 2022 for extensive restoration. As a result, it will only be possible to view the large stone faces from a distance and it will not be possible to get up close. However, the two lower tiers will remain open and accessible, so it will be possible to view the impressive bas-reliefs and intricate stone carvings around the temple.
Day 20 Day 20: From Siem Reap, Explore Ta Prohm And Angkor Wat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: From Siem Reap, Explore Ta Prohm And Angkor Wat

On our final day we make a visit to the 2nd Angkor capital that includes the temples of Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei and Takeo. A highlight for many is a visit to the atmospheric temple of Ta Prohm, where the film Tomb Raider was filmed, lying half consumed by the jungle. We leave the best known and most breathtaking of all the sights, Angkor Wat, to the end - where we stay until the sun sets on the last night of our adventure.
Day 21 Day 21: Trip Ends In Siem Reap
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Trip Ends In Siem Reap

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Siem Reap. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Siem Reap at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a airport transfer today, you need to depart from Siem Reap International Airport (SIA), which is approximately 60-80 minutes from the hotel. If you have time you may choose to browse the old market for some last minute bargains, visit a fish spa or enjoy afternoon tea at The Foreign Correspondent’s Club.

+18

21 days tour

Walking In Vietnam + Cambodia Highlights

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Walking In Vietnam + Cambodia Highlights

Day 1: Join Trip In Hanoi: Introduction To The Old Quarter

Day 2: Drive To Pu Luong; Hike To Our Stilt House Retreat

Day 3: Hiking In Pu Luong Reserve

Day 4: Morning Walk; Return To Hanoi

Day 5: Walking Tour In Hanoi; Drive To Halong Bay

Day 6: Junk Cruise Around Halong Bay; Overnight Train To Hue

Day 7: Afternoon Walking Tour Around Hue Citadel

Day 8: Hike Through Villages; Cruise On The Perfume River

Day 9: Drive To The Laid-Back Town Of Hoi An

Day 10: Hike To The Cham Temples At My Son

Day 11: Travel To Binh Hoa Phuoc Island In The Mekong Delta

Day 12: Walk In The Mekong Delta; Drive To Ho Chi Minh City

Day 13: Walking Tour Of Old Saigon; Free Afternoon To Explore

Day 14: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels; Drive To Phnom Penh In Cambodia

Day 15: Discover The Sights Of Phnom Penh

Day 16: Free Day In Phnom Penh; Optional Visit To Silk Island

Day 17: Drive To Siem Reap; Cruise On Tonle Sap Lake

Day 18: From Siem Reap, Explore Angkor Temples With Sunset

Day 19: From Siem Reap, Explore Angkor Thom

Day 20: From Siem Reap, Explore Ta Prohm And Angkor Wat

Day 21: Trip Ends In Siem Reap

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